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In brief: Improving outcomes for opioid-addicted youth

In brief

Improving outcomes for opioid-addicted youth

Young people who are addicted to opioids such as oxycodone,
hydrocodone, and heroin account for a significant proportion of
patients undergoing treatment for dependency. In 2006, for
example, 10% of patients admitted to hospitals or clinics for the
treatment of opioids other than heroin were younger than 20,
while 31% were between 20 and 24.

The usual treatment offered to young people with opioid addiction
is a combination of counseling and detoxification using a
tapering drug schedule to ease the withdrawal process. In
November 2008, researchers reported the results of a clinical
trial sponsored by the National Institute on Drug Abuse, which
found that more extensive treatment might be more effective than
the traditional approach.

In the 12-week study, researchers at the University of
Pennsylvania enrolled 152 patients with opioid addictions, ages
15 to 21, and randomized them to one of two treatments. Those in
the detox arm received up to 14 mg per day of a combination of
buprenorphine and naloxone (Suboxone), tapered over 14 days,
while those in the more intensive treatment arm received up to 24
mg per day of the drug combination, tapered starting at week 9.
All participants underwent weekly individual and group
counseling, as well as periodic urine tests to detect opioids.

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Daily Health Tip

Ease into exercise

No pill can possibly give you the same benefits as regular exercise. And your exercise doesn't have to be daunting. If exercise isn't part of your day, start out with a 5-minute walk each day. Then ease into longer strolls. If walking is painful, try swimming or cycling.